Come out and support the arts. Starting this Thursday, March 7, the Phoenix Burton Barr Library will showcase a unique 38-print photo exhibit by 19 Children’s First Academy students who were mentored by professional photographers, including Karen Shell, Dennis Scully, Art Holeman, David Moore, Michael Norton, Jim Marshall, Jason Grubb and Ken Ross.

Photo by Eric, Children’s First Academy student

For five weeks, participating students from the elementary school for homeless and at-risk youth each received 27-exposure disposable film cameras through the Kids in Focus project. The film was processed, at no cost, by Tempe Camera Photo Imaging Center, and McKenna Pro Lab donated the 38 exhibit prints. Students met with the photographers and looked through the images to continue learning and experimenting with digital point-and-shoot cameras. Before the weekend, each student was given another camera to continue shooting.

Photo Larry, Children First Academy student

Photo by Destiny, Children First Academy student

The Kids in Focus project was developed and organized by professional freelance commercial photographer Karen Shell. The photographers involved in the project are from a nonprofit organization called Through Each Others Eyes.

An opening reception is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 7. The exhibit is free.